I lean my head down and sigh. Kalin traces my jaw with his fingers, and claims my quivering mouth with a slow, lingering kiss.
Chapter Fourteen
My body is light and happy in the luxurious shower, as if it has a mind of its own, coaxing me to pay more attention to what feels right. I know that this feels right. I know that the sex is incredible. But I also know that Kalin opened his heart to me during the most painful time in his life, and I cannot shut myself off from him.
I lean against the wall and let the warm water caress and soothe my sore body. I recall how Kalin held me close to him, his eyes sparkling with mirth and love. He was showing me who he really is, and here I was doubting him. The fact that this man has not closed the door on the world and retired into a life of seclusion and self-indulgence is beyond me. Kalin believes in love at his core. He is not a fool, and he is smart enough to know when people are using him. But he also knows love when he sees it, and he has never turned his back on it. Kalin would rather be hurt, and vulnerable, and even financially compromised, than to turn his back on it. Some see that as a weakness. Others see it as an opportunity to be exploited. But Kalin sees it as essential to being a strong leader, and a strong man.
He is ready to confront those who see it as an opportunity to take from him what he has built. It scares them, because they underestimated him. So they went after Lia instead, expecting that I would also respond with fear. Did I give them what they wanted? I lower my head and my body feels heavy from the thought, and I feel my heart pounding in my chest.
I step out of the shower to dry myself off. I was a fool to believe a man like Kalin comes around too easily. They don’t. He said he was lucky to have found me. I now know I am the lucky one.
“Annabelle, I’m heading to the store to pick up some things. It looks like the fridge is a bit empty. Do you want anything?”
“We may be low on cooking oil, coffee, and I think wine.”
“We’re never low on wine. It comes from the cellar downstairs. The staff stocks that. They haven’t been here since the police were here. I told them to skip a week.”
“Well, I can come with you.”
“No, sweetheart. I want you to get ready for dinner, and I’ll be right back so we don’t have to worry about this tomorrow morning. I just want your sweet ass on my mind tomorrow after a wild night of making love to you.”
I blush. “You’re shameless.”
“I know.”
I press my fingers to my lips to disguise a goofy grin. “Where are we going for dinner?”
“Rick’s. It’s up the highway about fifteen miles. Incredible food. Whatever you want. Steak. Fish. Lobster. Best wine selection. Celebrities, bankers, Wall Street types. It’s a real who’s who of luminaries, dignitaries, stars, and wealthy degenerates.”
“Sounds wonderful.” I snicker.
“Nothing but the best, my sweet. Take your time getting ready, and I will be back in about thirty minutes.”
“Okay.”
“I love you.”
I exhale a laugh at his persistence. “You are so unsubtle.”
“Does that mean you love me?”
“It means a woman’s heart is a mystery.”
“Nothing some good wine won’t fix. See you in a few.”
“Okay. Thank you, Kalin.”
I hear the front door shut, and I look at myself in the mirror. My cheeks are flushed. I put on some makeup and notice that my skin has a vibrant glow to it. It could be the fresh air, the ocean, the salty air, Kalin’s magic touch, and probably all of the above. But I know it’s mostly Kalin.
Kalin gave my clothing size to his staff, and they apparently filled up the closet with beautiful clothes for me. Unreal. I pick out a sleeveless pacific blue bandage-knit dress with a V neckline and back and a flared hem. The dress tapers and flares around my body for an hourglass figure. Absolutely beautiful.
I wait for Kalin with the back zipper partially undone. I want to surprise him, and have him zip—or unzip—the dress, as the case may be.
I hear the roar of Kalin’s SUV in the driveway, and for some reason I breathe a sigh of relief. Kalin comes in with two sacks of groceries, and stops in his tracks when he sees me. “My God, Annabelle, just when I think you couldn’t get more beautiful.” His eyes rake over my body, and I flick my eyes to the floor and back to him with a small smile.
Kalin approaches me from behind and presses his hands over my thighs, gliding them over my stomach, and then slowly over the curves of my hips. His breath is hot and moist on the sensitive skin under my ear where he plants a trail of light kisses. I tilt my head and moan, and he zips my dress up from the back and kisses the nape of my neck before letting my hair spill over my back. “Wrong direction on the zipper,” I mutter.